Transfix component with layer having polymer matrix with small molecules and image forming apparatus with same

ABSTRACT

A transfix member comprising a heating member and a component film having a surface layer and a polymer matrix layer, wherein the polymer matrix layer contains a polymer and small molecules, and the polymer matrix layer is designed to allow the small molecules to diffuse through the polymer matrix to the surface layer upon the application of pressure or heat to the component film.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/703,688 filed Oct. 31, 2000 entitled “Tranfix Component With LayerHaving Polymer Matrix With Small Molecules,” Attorney Docket No.D/A0794Q. The disclosure of this application is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to layers useful in animaging apparatus components, for use in electrostatographic, includingdigital, apparatuses. The layers herein are useful for many purposesincluding layers for transfix films or transfuse films, and the like.More specifically, the present invention relates to a component outerlayer comprising a polymer matrix having small molecules which, upontransfer and/or fixation of a developed image, diffuse through an outerlayer of the component so as to promote release of the developed imagefrom the component outer layer. The layers of the present invention maybe useful in films used in xerographic machines, especially colormachines.

[0003] In a typical electrostatographic reproducing apparatus such aselectrophotographic imaging system using a photoreceptor, a light imageof an original to be copied is recorded in the form of an electrostaticlatent image upon a photosensitive member and the latent image issubsequently rendered visible by the application of a developer mixture.One type of developer used in such printing machines is a liquiddeveloper comprising a liquid carrier having toner particles dispersedtherein. Generally, the toner is made up of resin and a suitablecolorant such as a dye or pigment. Conventional charge directorcompounds may also be present. The liquid developer material is broughtinto contact with the electrostatic latent image and the colored tonerparticles are deposited thereon in image configuration.

[0004] The developed toner image recorded on the imaging member can betransferred to an image receiving substrate such as paper via anintermediate transfer member. Alternatively, the developed image can betransferred to an intermediate transfer member from the image receivingmember via another transfer member. The toner particles may betransferred by heat and/or pressure to an intermediate transfer member,or more commonly, the toner image particles may be electrostaticallytransferred to the intermediate transfer member by means of anelectrical potential between the imaging member and the intermediatetransfer member. After the toner has been transferred to theintermediate transfer member, it can then be transferred to the imagereceiving substrate, for example by contacting the substrate with thetoner image on the intermediate transfer member under heat and/orpressure. Alternatively, the developed image can be transferred toanother intermediate transfer member such as a transfix/transfuse ortransfer member. A transfix or transfuse member uses heat associatedwith the transfer member in order to both transfer and fix or fuse thedeveloped image to a copy substrate.

[0005] Intermediate transfer members, including transfix or transfusemembers, enable high throughput at modest process speeds. In four-colorphotocopier systems, the transfer member also improves registration ofthe final color toner image. In such systems, the four component colorsof cyan, yellow, magenta and black may be synchronously developed ontoone or more imaging members and transferred in registration onto atransfer member at a transfer station.

[0006] In electrostatographic printing machines in which the toner imageis transferred from the transfix member to the image receiving or copysubstrate, it is important that the transfer of the toner particles fromthe transfix member to the image receiving substrate be substantially100 percent. Less than complete transfer to the image receivingsubstrate results in image degradation and low resolution. Completelyefficient transfer is particularly important when the imaging processinvolves generating full color images since undesirable colordeterioration in the final colors can occur when the color images arenot completely transferred from the transfer member.

[0007] Thus, it is desired that the transfix member surface haveexcellent release characteristics with respect to the toner particles.Conventional materials known in the art for use as transfix membersoften possess the strength, conformability and electrical conductivitynecessary for use as transfix members, but can suffer from poor tonerrelease characteristics, especially with respect to higher gloss imagereceiving substrates. When heat is associated with a transfer member,such as in the case of a transfix member, the transfix member must alsopossess good thermal conductivity in addition to superior releasecharacteristics.

[0008] In addition, it is desired that the transfix member havesufficient toughness to undergo multiple cycling during use. Moreover,the outer layer of the transfix member should be chemically compatiblewith toner and with paper that the layer will come in contact with. Inknown electrophotostatographic machines, diketones are used in paper andtoner components. Therefore, it is desired that the transfix outer layerbe compatible with diketones and other components of toner and paper.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,361,126 discloses an imaging apparatus includinga transfer member including a heater and pressure-applying roller,wherein the transfer member includes a fabric substrate and animpurity-absorbent material as a top layer. The impurity-absorbingmaterial can include a rubber material.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,337,129 discloses an intermediate transfercomponent comprising a substrate and a ceramer or grafted ceramercoating comprised of integral, interpenetrating networks ofhaloelastomer, silicon oxide, and optionally polyorganosiloxane.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,679 discloses an intermediate transfercomponent comprised of a substrate and thereover a coating comprised ofa volume grafted elastomer, which is a substantially uniform integralinterpenetrating network of a hybrid composition of a fluoroelastomerand a polyorganosiloxane.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,987 discloses an intermediate transfercomponent comprising a substrate and a titamer or grafted titamercoating comprised of integral, interpenetrating networks ofhaloelastomer, titanium dioxide, and optionally polyorganosiloxane.

[0013] Some transfix belt configurations are composed of outer layerscomprising elastomers. Release fluids have become necessary to promoterelease of the developed image during transfer and/or fixation of thedeveloped image from the transfer or transfix member to the copysubstrate or to another transfer member. These release fluids cancontain functionality and can react with the copy substrate andcomponents of the copy substrate, such as paper fibers of paper copysubstrates. The result is gelation, which can lead to contamination. Therelease fluids can also react with other transfer members that they maycome in contact with during transfer. The release fluids cansubsequently react with other components of the subsystem, resulting inseveral adverse effects from the contamination of the subsystem withthese oils. One possible result is an accelerated component failure dueto severe contamination. This undesirable result can occur as early asseveral thousand prints.

[0014] Therefore, it is desired to provide a transfer or transfix memberthat provides for adequate release of the developed image upon transferand/or fixation, without the drawbacks of a release agent which mayreact adversely with copy substrate materials, other transfer membersand subsystem members, thereby contaminating the entire system. It isalso desired to provide a transfix member which has an outer layer whichdoes not react adversely with the chemical components of paper and/ortoner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention provides, in embodiments: a transfix membercomprising, a) a substrate, and thereover, b) a component film having asurface layer and a polymer matrix layer comprising a polymer and smallmolecules, the polymer matrix layer designed to allow the smallmolecules to diffuse through the polymer matrix layer to the surfacelayer upon the application of pressure or heat to said component film,and, c) a heating component associated with said substrate.

[0016] The present invention further provides, in embodiments: atransfix member comprising, a) a substrate, and thereover, b) acomponent film having a surface layer and a polymer matrix layercomprising a polymer and small molecules, the polymer matrix designed toallow the small molecules to diffuse through the polymer matrix layer tothe surface layer upon the application of pressure or heat to thecomponent film, wherein the polymer comprises a functional siliconematerial and the small molecules comprise non-functional siliconeoligomers, and, c) a heating component associated with said substrate.

[0017] In addition, the present invention provides, in embodiments: animage forming apparatus for forming images on a recording mediumcomprising, a) a charge-retentive surface to receive an electrostaticlatent image thereon; b) a development component to apply a developermaterial to the charge-retentive surface to develop the electrostaticlatent image to form a developed image on the charge-retentive surface;c) a transfix component for transferring and fusing the developed imagefrom the charge-retentive surface to a copy substrate, the transfixmember comprising a component film having a surface layer and a polymermatrix layer, wherein the polymer matrix layer comprises a polymer andsmall molecules, the polymer matrix layer designed to allow the smallmolecules to diffuse through the polymer matrix layer to the surfacelayer upon the application of pressure or heat to the component film,and a heating component associated with the substrate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The above embodiments of the present invention will becomeapparent as the following description proceeds upon reference to thedrawings, which include the following figures:

[0019]FIG. 1 is an illustration of a general electrostatographicapparatus using a transfix member.

[0020]FIG. 2 is an illustration of an embodiment of a transfix system.

[0021]FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of an embodiment of a transfix beltconfiguration involving a substrate, an intermediate layer, and thinouter layer.

[0022]FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of an embodiment of a transfix beltconfiguration having a substrate and thin outer layer.

[0023]FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of an embodiment of the component filmhaving a polymer matrix and small molecules embedded or dispersedtherein.

[0024]FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of an embodiment of the component filmhaving a polymer matrix and small molecules embedded or dispersedtherein, and small molecules diffusing to the surface layer of thecomponent film.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The present invention is directed to component films having asurface layer, wherein the component film contains a polymer matrix withsmall molecules embedded or contained therein. The component films canbe films, sheets, belts and the like, useful in electrostatographic,including digital, apparatuses. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, the component film can be useful as a transfer or transfixmember in an electrostatographic apparatus. The disclosure is notintended to limit the number and types of uses for the component filmdisclosed herein. The use as a transfer or transfix member is an exampleof a preferred use of an embodiment of the film.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, there is depicted an image-forming apparatuscomprising intermediate transfer member 1 advanced by rollers 2, 3 and4. Intermediate transfer member 1 is depicted as a belt or film member,but may be of another useful form such as a belt, sheet, film, drum,roller or the like. An image is processed and developed by imageprocessing units 5. There may be as few as 1 processing unit, forexample, for 1 color processing such as black, and as many processingunits as desired. In embodiments, each processing unit processes aspecific color. In preferred embodiments, there are 4 processing unitsfor processing cyan, black, yellow and magenta. The first processingunit processes one color and transfers this developed one-color image tothe intermediate transfer member 1 via transfer member 6. Theintermediate transfer member 1 is advanced to the next relevantprocessing unit 5 and the process is repeated until a fully developedimage is present on the intermediate transfer member 1.

[0027] After the necessary number of images are developed by imageprocessing members 5 and transferred to intermediate transfer member 1via transfer members 6, the fully developed image is transferred totransfix member 7. The transfer of the developed image to transfixmember 7 is assisted by rollers 4 and 8, either or both of which may bea pressure roller or a roller having heat associated therewith. In apreferred embodiment, one of roller 4 or roller 8 is a pressure member,wherein the other roller 4 or 8 is a heated roller. Heat may be appliedinternal or external to the roller. Heat may be supplied by any knownheat source.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the fully developed image issubsequently transferred to a copy substrate 9 from transfix member 7.Copy substrate 9, such as paper, is passed between rollers 10 and 11,wherein the developed image is transferred and fused to the copysubstrate by transfix member 7 via rollers 10 and 11. Rollers 10 and/or11 may or may not contain heat associated therewith. In a preferredembodiment, one of rollers 10 and 11 contains heat associated therewithin order to transfer and fuse the developed image to the copy substrate.Any form of known heat source may be associated with roller 10 and/or11.

[0029]FIG. 2 demonstrates an enlarged view of a preferred embodiment ofa transfix member 7 which may be in the form of a belt, sheet, film,roller, or like form. Intermediate transfer member 1 moves in thedirection of arrow 25. The developed image 12 positioned on intermediatetransfer member 1, is brought into contact with and transferred totransfix member 7 via rollers 4 and 8. As set forth above, roller 4and/or roller 8 may or may not have heat associated therewith. Transfixmember 7 proceeds in the direction of arrow 13. The developed image 12is transferred and fused to a copy substrate 9 as copy substrate 9 isadvanced between rollers 10 and 11. Rollers 10 and/or 11 may or may nothave heat associated therewith.

[0030]FIG. 3 demonstrates a preferred embodiment of the invention,wherein transfix member 7 comprises substrate 14, having thereoverintermediate layer 15. Outer layer 16 is positioned on the intermediatelayer 15. Substrate 14, in preferred embodiments, comprises metal orfabric. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate comprises a fabricmaterial, the intermediate layer 15 is an elastic layer, and the outerlayer 16 is a thin overcoat. In another preferred embodiment, thesubstrate 14 comprises a metal, the intermediate layer 15 is a thinlayer, and the outer layer 16 is a thin overcoat.

[0031]FIG. 4 depicts another preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG.4 depicts a two-layer configuration comprising a substrate 14 and outerlayer 16 positioned on the substrate 14. In a preferred embodiment, thesubstrate 14 comprises a metal, and positioned thereon, a thin overcoatfor the outer layer 16.

[0032]FIGS. 5 and 6 depict an embodiment of the component film of thepresent invention. FIGS. 5 and 6 demonstrate a film component 20comprising a polymer matrix 24. The polymer matrix 24 comprises apolymer 21 and small molecules 22. The polymer matrix is designed sothat the small molecules 22 will diffuse through polymer 21 to thesurface layer 23.

[0033] The polymer matrix can be used as an intermediate layer or outerlayer of a component. It is preferred that the polymer matrix bepositioned as the intermediate layer, and have an outer release layerpositioned thereon. In this manner, the small molecules are able todiffuse through to the outer release layer to provide increased release.

[0034] A polymer matrix, as used herein, refers to the combination ofpolymer material and small molecules, wherein the small molecules arecontained, embedded or dispersed within the polymer material. The smallmolecules are not, however, crosslinked with the polymer, but areencapsulated within the polymer material, thereby making up the polymermatrix.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the polymer of the polymer matrix is afunctional or crosslinked polymer, and particularly preferred arefunctional silicone polymers such as crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS) functional polymers. The functional silicone polymer may haveterminal or pendant functionality. The crosslinked polymer backboneitself preferably has no residual functionality and does not take placein the crosslinking mechanism. Commercial examples ofpolydimethylsiloxane functional materials include RT 601 available fromWacker Chemie, and SYLGARD® 182 and 186 from Dow Corning. It ispreferred that the PDMS have a hardness of from about 20 to about 70Shore A, preferably from about 30 to about 60 Shore A, and particularlypreferred from about 50 to about 55 Shore A.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the small molecules arenon-functional. In another preferred embodiment, the small molecules areoligomers. Preferably, the small molecules have from about 1 to about 30and preferably from about 3 to about 20 cyclic chains or repeatingunits. A cyclic chain, as used herein, refers to a molecular segmentwith repeating units in ring formation. Preferably, the small moleculeshave a molecular weight range of from about 100 to about 2,000,preferably from about 500 to about 1,250, and particularly preferredfrom about 500 to about 800.

[0037] The small molecules can be any materials capable of diffusingthrough the polymer to the surface of the polymer matrix. In a preferredembodiment, the small molecules are non-functional. Preferably, thesmall molecules comprise silicone oligomers, such aspolydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) oligomers. Particularly preferred PDMSoligomers include straight chain molecules having from about 4 to about100 units.

[0038] The small molecules are present in the polymer matrix in anamount of from about 5 to about 50, preferably from about 10 to about25, and particularly preferred from about 15 to about 20 percent byweight of total solids. Total solids as used herein refer to the amountof solid material in the polymer matrix, including additives, fillers,the polymer, and like solids.

[0039] When the component film is subjected to heat and/or pressure, thesmall molecules ooze out of the polymer matrix and diffuse to thesurface layer of the component film. The small molecules form acontinuous film on the surface layer of the component film. A continuouslayer refers to a layer that acts as an effective barrier for a surfacewith little and preferably no pinholes or voids that would allowcontaminants or other physical elements from the system to achieveintimate contact with the surface. The exact methodology is unknown,although it is believed that the small molecules do not completelycrosslink with the polymer in the polymer matrix. Instead, thenon-functional small molecules are completely encapsulated within thecrosslinked polymer bulk. Therefore, the small molecules are heldloosely in the polymer matrix and do not crosslink with the polymer.Accordingly, heat and/or pressure can cause the small molecules toloosen from the polymer matrix and diffuse out. The small moleculesessentially diffuse from the polymer bulk to the surface providing aninternal release agent.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the polymer is functional and thesmall molecules are non-functional. It is theorized that in thisembodiment, the non-functional small molecules are held loosely withinthe functional polymer of the polymer matrix. Again, upon associatingthe film component with heat and/or pressure, the small molecules willloosen and diffuse to the surface of the component film.

[0041] In the embodiment wherein the component film is used as atransfer or transfix member in an electrostatographic apparatus, thesmall molecules diffused to the surface of the component film can aid inrelease of the developed image from the transfer or transfix member.There is much improvement over known release agents or release fluids interms of a decrease or elimination of contamination of the othercomponents of the electrostatographic apparatus.

[0042] In known electrostatographic apparatuses that comprise transferor transfix components, silicone fluids having functionality are used toenhance transfer or transfix. The functional silicone release agents canreact with the copy substrates (e.g., paper) and can also react with thetransfer or transfix members. In addition, the silicone release agentscan be spread to other machine parts following contamination of thetransfer or transfix member and/or the copy substrate. This can cause anaccelerated component failure even after a few thousand prints.

[0043] In addition, many transfer or transfix members containcrosslinked silicone elastomers as outer layers. The crosslinkedsilicone layers contain functional groups to provide a site forcrosslinking that gives the polymers increased physical properties suchas toughness, hardness and tensile strength. Therefore, it is beneficialto provide an outer layer comprising a crosslinked silicone elastomer.

[0044] The present polymer matrix allows for a non-functional releaseagent to diffuse to the surface layer of the transfix or transfer memberin order to aid in transfer of the developed image. Also, the polymermatrix layer of the transfer or transfix member in an embodiment of theinvention, comprises a functional elastomer. This crosslinked elastomersupplies the transfer or transfix member with the desired physicalproperties of toughness, hardness and tensile strength. The combinationof crosslinked elastomer outer layer and non-functional small moleculesallows for a transfer or transfix member having the desired physicalproperties, along with superior release properties. Also, because thesmall molecule release agent does not contain functional groups, thesmall molecule release agent reduces or eliminates the possibility ofcontamination of the copy substrate and the transfer or transfix member.

[0045] Small molecules are added intentionally to slowly diffuse outunder process conditions. The small molecules may also be a part of thepolymer chain itself that can undergo degradation and be cleaved off todiffuse to the surface. In either situation, the function obtained isrelease.

[0046] The diffusion rate of the release fluid small molecules can becontrolled by the crosslink density of the polymer portion of thepolymer matrix, or by added absorbent mineral fillers. Crosslink densitycan be measured by equilibrium swell methods. Preferably, the crosslinkdensity is from about 10⁻⁵ to about 10⁻³ moles of chains per cubiccentimeter. This allows for a diffusion rate of the release agent fromthe small molecules of from about 0.1 to about 0.5, and preferably fromabout 0.2 to about 0.3 μl/copy substrate or print.

[0047] The component film, in embodiments, may comprise electricallyconductive particles or mineral fillers dispersed therein, in additionto the small molecules. These electrical conductive particles decreasethe material resistivity into the desired resistivity range. The desiredsurface resistivity is from about 10⁶ to about 10¹³, preferably fromabout 10⁸ to about 10¹², and more preferably from about 10¹⁰ to about10¹² ohms/sq. The preferred volume resistivity range is from about 10⁵to about 10¹⁴, preferably from about 10⁸ to about 10¹⁴, and particularlypreferred is from about 10¹² to about 10¹⁴ ohm-cm.

[0048] Varying the concentration of the conductive filler can providethe desired resistivity. It is important to have the resistivity withinthis desired range. The transfix components may exhibit undesirableeffects if the resistivity is not within the required range. Otherproblems include resistivity that is susceptible to changes intemperature, relative humidity, and the like. The combination ofsilicone elastomer and electrically conductive filler, in embodiments,allows for tailoring of a desired resistivity, and further, allows for astable resistivity virtually unaffected by changes in relative humidityand temperature.

[0049] Examples of suitable conductive fillers include carbon black suchas fluorinated carbon black (for example ACCUFLUOR®), metal oxides suchas iron oxide, aluminum oxide, antimony tin oxide, indium tin oxide,other metal oxides, metals, and the like. In a preferred embodiment ofthe invention, the electrically conductive filler is fluorinated carbonblack. The optional conductive filler is present in the layer in anamount of from about 5 to about 40, preferably from about 10 to about30, and particularly preferred from about 15 to about 20 percent byweight of total solids.

[0050] It is preferred that the outer layer of the transfix member berelatively thin. Preferably, the thickness of the transfix member isfrom about 1 to about 10 mils, preferably from about 2 to about 8 mils,and particularly preferred from about 2 to about 4 mils.

[0051] The transfix substrate can comprise any material having suitablestrength and flexibility for use as a transfix member, enabling themember to cycle around rollers during use of the machine. Preferredmaterials for the substrate include metals and fabrics. Examples ofsuitable metal materials include stainless steel (various grades),aluminum, and other like metals. Preferred metals include stainlesssteel and grades thereof.

[0052] A fabric material, as used herein, refers to a textile structurecomprised of mechanically interlocked fibers or filaments, of polymersor metals, which may be woven or nonwoven. The fibers may be polymeric,metallic, synthetic, or natural fibers woven into a strong,dimensionally-stable backing substrate. Fabrics are materials made fromfibers or threads that are woven, knitted or pressed into a cloth orfelt type structure. Woven, as used herein, refers to closely orientedby warp and filler strands at right angles to each other. Nonwoven, asused herein, refers to randomly integrated fibers or filaments. Thefabric material should have high mechanical strength and possesselectrical insulating properties.

[0053] Examples of suitable fabrics include woven or nonwoven cottonfabric, graphite fabric, fiberglass, woven or nonwoven polyimide (forexample KELVAR® available from DuPont), woven or nonwoven polyamide,such as nylon or polyphenylene isophthalamide (for example, NOMEX® ofE.I. DuPont of Wilmington, Del.), polyester, aramids, polycarbonate,polyacryl, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, cellulose,polysulfone, polyxylene, polyacetal, and the like.

[0054] Preferably, the substrate is of a thickness of from about 25 toabout 150 mils, preferably from about 25 to about 100 mils, andparticularly preferred about 50 mils.

[0055] In an optional embodiment of a transfix member, an intermediatelayer may be positioned between the substrate and the component film.Materials suitable for use in the intermediate layer include siliconematerials, ethylene diene propene monomers, isoprene, fluoroelastomerssuch as those sold under the tradename VITON®, urethanes, naturalrubbers, and the like. Preferably, the intermediate layer comprises asilicone rubber, urethane or fluoroelastomer. In a particularlypreferred embodiment, the intermediate layer further comprises aconductive filler. Suitable fillers include metals, metal oxides, carbonblacks, and the like.

[0056] It is preferred that the intermediate layer be conformable and beof a thickness of from about 5 to about 30 mils, preferably from about10 to about 25 mils, and particularly preferred of from about 10 toabout 20 mils.

[0057] Examples of suitable transfix members include a sheet, a film, aweb, a foil, a strip, a coil, a cylinder, a drum, an endless strip, acircular disc, a belt including an endless belt, an endless seamedflexible belt, an endless seamless flexible belt, an endless belt havinga puzzle cut seam, and the like. It is preferred that the substratehaving the outer layer thereon, be an endless seamed flexible belt orseamed flexible belt, which may or may not include puzzle cut seams.Examples of such belts are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,487,707;5,514,436; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/297,203 filed Aug.29, 1994, the disclosures each of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety. A method for manufacturing reinforcedseamless belts is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,557, the disclosureof which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0058] The transfix film, preferably in the form of a belt, has a width,for example, of from about 150 to about 2,000 mm, preferably from about250 to about 1,400 mm, and particularly preferred is from about 300 toabout 500 mm. The circumference of the belt is preferably from about 75to about 2,500 mm, more preferably from about 125 to about 2,100 mm, andparticularly preferred from about 155 to about 550 mm.

[0059] In a transfix embodiment, heat may be supplied to the componentfilm via known heating methods such as radiant heat, infrared heat,internal rollers or lamps, and other known heating sources.

[0060] Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described indetail. These examples are intended to be illustrative, and theinvention is not limited to the materials, conditions, or processparameters set forth in these embodiments. All parts are percentages byweight of total solids as defined above unless otherwise indicated.

EXAMPLES Example 1

[0061] A stainless steel or fabric substrate can be overcoated with anintermediate layer of a silicone elastomer, Wacker RT601® siliconeelastomer loaded with about 20 percent by weight of a fluorinated carbonblack (ACCUFLUOR® 2028, from Allied Signal, New Jersey) via flow coatingor spray coating to a thickness of approximately 20 mil. Theintermediate layer may also contain about 40 percent by weight of a lowmolecular weight oligomer such as DMS-T00® (available from Gelest Inc.,New Jersey) contained in the polymer matrix. DMS-T00® is a short chainsiloxane consisting of two siloxane repeat units. The low molecularweight oligomers are held by polymer-polymer affinity within thecrosslinked network and it is understood that they will diffuse out overtime in process. A formulation composed of Wacker RT601® siliconeelastomer loaded with about 20 percent by weight fluorinated carbonblack (ACCUFLUOR® 2028) can be used as the final topcoat or outerrelease layer. The topcoat silicone layer can be coated to a thicknessof approximately 3 mils as described previously.

[0062] The finished belt can then be used in a transfix fixture,exhibiting enhanced release as a result of possessing a quantity of adiffusable release agent within the intermediate polymer matrix layer.

[0063] While the invention has been described in detail with referenceto specific and preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated thatvarious modifications and variations will be apparent to the artisan.All such modifications and embodiments as may readily occur to oneskilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the appendedclaims.

We claim:
 1. A transfix member comprising: a) a substrate, and thereoverb) a component film having a surface layer and a polymer matrix layercomprising a polymer and small molecules, said polymer matrix layerdesigned to allow said small molecules to diffuse through said polymermatrix layer to said surface layer upon the application of pressure orheat to said component film, and c) a heating component associated withsaid substrate.
 2. The transfix member of claim 1, wherein said smallmolecules diffuse through said polymer matrix layer to form a continuouslayer on said surface layer.
 3. The transfix member of claim 1, whereinsaid polymer is a functional polymer.
 4. The transfix member of claim 1,wherein said polymer is crosslinked.
 5. The transfix member of claim 1,wherein said polymer is a silicone polymer.
 6. The transfix member ofclaim 5, wherein said silicone polymer is a polydimethylsiloxanepolymer.
 7. The transfix member of claim 1, wherein said small moleculescomprise non-functional oligomers.
 8. The transfix member of claim 1,wherein said small molecules comprise oligomers having from about 1 toabout 30 cyclic units.
 9. The transfix member of claim 8, wherein saidoligomers have from about 3 to about 20 cyclic units.
 10. The transfixmember of claim 1, wherein said small molecules are completelyencapsulated within said polymer matrix.
 11. The transfix member ofclaim 1, wherein said polymer matrix layer further comprises aconductive filler.
 12. The transfix member of claim 11, wherein saidconductive filler is selected from the group consisting of metal oxidesand carbon black.
 13. The transfix member of claim 11, wherein saidconductive filler is selected from the group consisting of aluminumoxide, iron oxide, antimony tin oxide, indium tin oxide, and fluorinatedcarbon.
 14. The transfix member of claim 1, further comprising asubstrate in combination with said component film, wherein saidcomponent film is positioned on said substrate.
 15. The transfix memberof claim 1, wherein said substrate comprises a material selected fromthe group consisting of fabrics and metals.
 16. The transfix member ofclaim 15, wherein said fabric material is selected from the groupconsisting of cotton fabric, graphite fabric, fiberglass, polyimide,polyamide, polyester, aramids, polycarbonate, polyacryl, polystyrene,polyethylene, polypropylene, cellulose, polysulfone, polyxylene, andpolyacetal.
 17. The transfix member of claim 1, wherein said smallmolecules have a crosslink density of from about 10⁻⁵ to about 10⁻³moles of chains per cubic centimeter.
 18. A transfix member comprising:a) a substrate, and thereover b) a component film having a surfacelayer, said component film comprising a polymer matrix layer comprisinga polymer and small molecules, said polymer matrix layer designed toallow said small molecules to diffuse through said polymer matrix layerto said surface layer upon the application of pressure or heat to saidcomponent film, wherein said polymer is a functional silicone materialand said small molecules comprise non-functional silicone oligomers, andc) a heating component associated with said substrate.
 19. An imageforming apparatus for forming images on a recording medium comprising:a) a charge-retentive surface to receive an electrostatic latent imagethereon; b) a development component to apply a developer material tosaid charge-retentive surface to develop said electrostatic latent imageto form a developed image on said charge-retentive surface; c) atransfix component for transferring and fusing said developed image fromsaid charge-retentive surface to a copy substrate, said transfix membercomprising: a component film having a surface layer and a polymer matrixlayer, wherein said polymer matrix layer comprises a polymer and smallmolecules, said polymer matrix layer designed to allow said smallmolecules to diffuse through said polymer matrix layer to said surfacelayer upon the application of pressure or heat to said component film,and a heating component associated with said substrate.
 20. The imageforming apparatus of claim 19, wherein said small molecules diffuse tosaid surface layer at a diffusion rate of from about 0.1 to about 0.5μl/copy substrate.
 21. The image forming apparatus of claim 20, whereinsaid diffusion rate is from about 0.2 to about 0.3 μl/copy substrate.